California Real Estate Exam Guide & Study Resources

From the CA licensing authority content outline · candidate handbook · verified 2026-08-18

• Practice of real estate and disclosures: Trust account handling, Fair housing, Advertising, Required disclosures — TDS, natural hazard, agency, Mello-Roos, Property management
• Laws of agency and fiduciary duties: Agency disclosure form, Dual agency, Fiduciary duties, Termination of agency
• Property ownership and land use controls: Estates and ownership forms, Legal descriptions, Zoning, CC&Rs, easements, Government controls
• Property valuation and financial analysis: Approaches to value, Appraisal process, Investment analysis
• Contracts: Listing agreements, Purchase agreements, Leases, Statute of frauds, Contract remedies
• Financing: Loan types, Government programs, Lending laws, Foreclosure
• Transfer of property: Title and deeds, Escrow, Recording, Tax aspects

The state-specific points that show up as questions. Each cites where it comes from.

1. 1

   One exam, state law throughout

   California does not split the test into national and state portions. Every content area mixes general principles with California-specific law, so there is no separate "state portion" to cram.

   Source: DRE, Taking the Examination

2. 2

   Results in about 5 business days

   Results are posted to the eLicensing account. Only pass/fail is reported for a pass; a fail shows a breakdown by area.

   Source: DRE, Taking the Examination

3. 3

   Two years to pass

   The application is valid for two years from the date it is filed. Retakes within that window pay the $100 fee each time; there is no attempt limit.

   Source: DRE, Fees

4. 4

   Live Scan fingerprints are mandatory

   No license issues without a completed fingerprint clearance. Applicants inside California use Live Scan; the fee is separate from DRE fees.

   Source: DRE, Fees

5. 5

   Salesperson: 135 hours in three courses

   Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one elective from the DRE list. A course may not be completed in less than 2½ weeks; at most two courses in any five-week period.

   Source: DRE, Education Courses

6. 6

   Renewal every 4 years, 45 hours CE

   First renewal has specific required subjects (ethics, agency, trust funds, fair housing, risk management, management and supervision, implicit bias).

   Source: DRE